Oneida Nation puts up $10 million to do film about Oneidas, Revolutionary War

A man stepped onto the stage of the 800-seat showroom at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in sunglasses and director’s hat, a megaphone in hand.

He shouted to the audience that they were just making a movie.

“We don’t want a lot of glitz and glamour,” he said.

Want a part?

“First Allies” will hold an open casting call for anyone interested in being in the movie as an actor, production assistant, intern or extra. Anyone under 18 years-old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Everyone is asked to bring a small photo of themselves and complete a short application.When: Monday, July 25th, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.Where: Event Center at Turning Stone Resort and Casino

Halbritter went on to announce Tuesday that the Oneida Nation has greenlit it’s first theatrical feature film, “First Allies.” It will tell the story of the Oneidas breaking with the Iroquois Confederacy during the Revolutionary War to back the Americans.

“It’s a story that’s not told,” Halbritter said. “When I grew up I wasn’t taught a lot about it.”

The Oneidas finally have the chance to tell the little-known story of how their people fought for the Americans and helped form a new nation, Halbritter said.

The $10 million budget for the movie, which will begin filming this fall, is being paid by the Oneidas. All of the American Indian roles, including the lead roles, will be played by American Indians. Virtually all of the movie will be filmed on location in Oneida County, on Oneida lands or at Revolutionary War sites.

“First Allies” is meant to both promote Native American culture and create a new money-making operation for the Oneidas, Halbritter said. The Oneida Nation — which owns Turning Stone Resort and Casino and a chain of SavOn gas stations — is pushing to make Central New York into a film-making hub.

“We think Central New York is a terrific place to do movies,” Halbritter said. “The industry can thrive here.”

Although they have their own production company, The Oneidas recruited help from Hollywood.

Halbritter will produce the movie alongside Alex Siskin, who worked on the Adam Sandler films “Mr. Deeds” and “Big Daddy.” Sid Ganis, former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a veteran producer, will serve as executive producer. Kees Van Oostrum, director of “Gettysburg,” will also direct on “First Allies.”

Siskin and Ganis, as well as the authors of “Forgotten Allies,” the book the movie is adapted from, were on hand Tuesday at Turning Stone.

The leading roles in the film, which will include at least one well-known Hollywood star, have not been cast yet.

The Oneidas are also still scouting locations for the movie. However local sites such as Saint Marie Among the Iroquois, Fort Stanwix and the Herkimer House will likely be featured, Halbritter said. The hardest part for filmmakers will be finding a balance between an action-packed and historically accurate story.

“It’s a challenge because at the same time you’re telling a story, you don’t want people to fall asleep,” Halbritter said.